Angkas, a popular motorcycle ride-hailing platform in the Philippines, has become a ubiquitous presence on Metro Manila’s congested roads. While initially hailed as a solution to the city’s transportation problems, the platform has not been without its share of criticisms. Let us explore the negative effects of Angkas on Metro Manila traffic and delve into the concerns surrounding George Royeca’s potential foray into public office, leveraging his position in the transportation platform.
Angkas & Metro Manila Traffic
The proliferation of Angkas motorcycles on already crowded streets contributes to heightened traffic congestion. The small size of motorcycles allows them to navigate through tight spaces, but the sheer number of riders exacerbates congestion.
The surge in motorcycle traffic raises safety concerns for both riders and pedestrians. Metro Manila’s chaotic traffic conditions coupled with the influx of Angkas riders have led to an increase in accidents and road-related incidents. The motorcycle ride-hailing industry operates in a regulatory gray area. The absence of clear guidelines and oversight has resulted in an uncontrolled surge in the number of Angkas riders, further straining the road infrastructure.
Just last week, Angkas uploaded a teaser of their app’s latest version with their head honcho George Royeca on the top bill. Royeca claimed that Angkas has been the traffic solution since 2017 (what?!).
George Royeca & His Political Ambitions
George Royeca, the face of Angkas, has not shied away from the spotlight. His prominent role in the transportation platform positions him as a recognizable figure in the public eye. There are speculations that Royeca might leverage this popularity to transition into the realm of public service. In a recent X/Twitter conversation with growth and marketing consultant Christopher Star, he hinted that Royeca is positioning himself to run in the midterm elections (May 2025).
Royeca’s potential entry into politics raises concerns about conflicts of interest. As a key figure in the motorcycle ride-hailing industry, he may be perceived as prioritizing the interests of Angkas over the broader concerns of public welfare, particularly regarding traffic management. If Royeca decides to run for public office, his influence within the transportation sector could impact regulatory decisions. This could lead to policies favoring the motorcycle ride-hailing industry, potentially exacerbating existing problems in Metro Manila traffic.
Aside from the above, there are also criticisms of George Royeca being the President of the Fintech Philippines Association. Some question the inclusion of Angkas, a motorcycle ride-hailing service, into an association that is ostensibly dedicated to fostering the growth of Financial Technology (FinTech). The Fintech Philippines Association was co-founded by Amor Maclang, a known marketing communications practitioner in the country. Some say that GeiserMaclang Marketing Communications, Inc. (co-founded by Amor Maclang) is the marketing and PR agency of Angkas.
George Royeca’s leadership comes under scrutiny as Angkas, a company primarily focused on transportation services, does not align with the core principles and objectives of a genuine FinTech organization. The decision to admit Angkas in 2019 raises concerns about the association’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the FinTech industry. Royeca’s role in this association may be seen as a deviation from the association’s supposed mission, as it potentially dilutes the focus on true financial technology innovation and disrupts the credibility of an organization that should be dedicated to advancing the interests of legitimate FinTech players in the Philippines.
While Angkas initially promised a convenient solution to Metro Manila’s transportation challenges, its rapid growth has introduced new issues, including heightened traffic congestion and safety concerns. The potential entry of George Royeca into politics adds another layer of complexity, with concerns about conflicts of interest and the impact on regulatory decisions. As discussions around the negative effects of Angkas continue, it remains to be seen how the platform and its key figures will navigate the intricate intersection of business and public service in the Philippines’ dynamic political landscape.